as in excellent
of the very best kind
a first-string rendition of the musical piece
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Recent Examples of first-string
Hudson has been practicing as the first-string left tackle all spring in Thomas’ absence.
—
Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 17 June 2025
With the second-string defense facing the first-string offense, QB Bryce Young tried to fit a laser pass through the middle of traffic, and Rozeboom — who spent the past four years with the Los Angeles Rams — batted the ball in the air.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2025
Newcomers Jason Pinnock and Richie Grant served as the first-string safeties.
—Matt Barrows, New York Times, 30 May 2025
All five first-string Pacers (Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner) complement one another.
—James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 19 May 2025
After one year as a reserve, he was elevated to Vince Lombardi's first-string defense the following season.
—Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
The rest of the first-string offensive line included Julian Armella at right guard, Sam Yoon at center and Courtland Ford at left tackle.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
The Packers did not play their first-string offense.
—Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 18 Aug. 2024
As first-string quarterback Claire Heisinger watched on crutches from the sideline, Addison Kloch, who is an elite golfer, filled in admirably for the Chargers.
—Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2024
Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 17 June 2025
With the second-string defense facing the first-string offense, QB Bryce Young tried to fit a laser pass through the middle of traffic, and Rozeboom — who spent the past four years with the Los Angeles Rams — batted the ball in the air.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2025
Newcomers Jason Pinnock and Richie Grant served as the first-string safeties.
—Matt Barrows, New York Times, 30 May 2025
All five first-string Pacers (Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner) complement one another.
—James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 19 May 2025
After one year as a reserve, he was elevated to Vince Lombardi's first-string defense the following season.
—Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
The rest of the first-string offensive line included Julian Armella at right guard, Sam Yoon at center and Courtland Ford at left tackle.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
The Packers did not play their first-string offense.
—Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 18 Aug. 2024
As first-string quarterback Claire Heisinger watched on crutches from the sideline, Addison Kloch, who is an elite golfer, filled in admirably for the Chargers.
—Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string
Adjective
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The hiding spot seemed like an excellent spot for avoiding the sun and potential predators, but Fowler didn't feel quite the same.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
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This Dyson model is lightweight and has powerful suction and motorized tools that are excellent for getting hair out of carpets and upholstery.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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Smartphone Deals An ultra-bright screen, terrific build quality, and powerful AI tools made the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL a winner in our book, and our expert gave it an excellent rating in our review.—
Jade Chung-Lee,
PC Magazine,
12 July 2025
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The Packers failed to build on their terrific finish to the 2023 campaign, settled for the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoffs, and lost a Wild Card game to eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia.—
Rob Reischel,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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More Alika Jenner/Getty Images How to Watch Storm vs Sun Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025 Time: 11:00 AM ET Channel: NBC Sports Boston Stream: Fubo (TRY FOR FREE) Skylar Diggins was selected to her first All-Star team since 2022, marking her seventh appearance during her stellar WNBA career.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 July 2025
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Watts appeared in two campaigns last year for the Rodeo and Bel Air handbags, alongside Isabelle Huppert and Kim Kardashian, who were part of this season’s stellar runway cast.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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Signed last summer from AC Monza for a fee of €18 million ($19.49 million), Di Gregorio looks like a superb signing already worth far more than that initial transfer fee.—
Adam Digby,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
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Michael Busch did the most damage, going 4-for-4 with three homers and five RBIs, continuing his quiet development into a superb all-around first baseman.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
5 July 2025
Adjective
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This is a great NBA Summer League matchup; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
-
This is a great day to schmooze with friends and members of groups and organizations.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
7 July 2025
Adjective
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Colleagues, mentors and friends are wonderful sources of feedback.—
Kim Salem-Jackson,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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These tender, buttery peas are wonderful in any number of dishes, but our new favorite just might be this black-eyed pea dip.—
Mary Claire Britton,
Southern Living,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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Relax at Lake Michigan beaches The town's spot near Lake Michigan gives visitors prime access to sandy beaches and dunes along 12 miles of the lakefront coast.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
13 July 2025
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This wide, unruffled stretch of water framed by wooded bluffs is prime bald eagle territory.—
Giovanna Dell'orto,
Twin Cities,
13 July 2025
Adjective
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Amazon This picture book from Chronicle Books is a favorite at WIRED for its lovely images and engaging story of environmental scientist Ken Nedimeyer, whose passion for marine biology, particularly coral, led him to found the Coral Restoration Foundation.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
10 July 2025
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This jar candle has a lovely fragrance reminiscent of a tropical island, featuring citrus, florals and vanilla elements.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
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